Apprentice Farm Worker

Summary

We’re looking to recruit an Apprentice Farm Worker to join our team at Low Beckside Farm in Cumbria. The role will give you comprehensive training, qualifications and hands-on experience of a busy, working hill farm which also serves as one of our Outdoor Learning sites.

Wage

£20,638 a year

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Training course

Livestock unit technician (level 3)

Hours

31.5hrs/week 0.9FTE (including 20% off the job training) Hours and days to be discussed as part of recruitment process

31 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Help to maintain our flock of 550 sheep. Checking stock, feeding, watering, dosing, clipping, recording health checks and generally ensuring we have a healthy, well looked-after flock to
be proud of
Help maintain our herd of cattle. Moving, dosing and general health checks
Operate several different types of machinery, including tractors, quads, toppers and sprayers, to carry out responsibilities of role
Repair equipment when it breaks down and perform routine maintenance to identify problems before they escalate
Put up and maintain fences and dry-stone walls. Repair footpaths, gates and stiles
Shepherd stock, monitor health and condition of our animals and assisting in moving them around the farm
Be prepared to get stuck-in at lambing time. Assist in the delivering of newborns, administering medication and maintaining a fit and healthy flock
Be a part of transforming the farm through nature restoration. You will be planting trees and hedges, digging ponds, increasing biodiversity and conservation value to the benefit of our farm
Maintain communications with other staff, contractors, vets, land agents and other organisations we work with
Be proactive in keeping the farm in a clean and tidy state
Be part of Outdoor Learning and education at Low Beckside. This might involve helping to set up classrooms, prepare stock for groups to work with or assist other staff when we have groups of young people or children working at the farm

Where you’ll work

Low Beckside
Mungrisdale
Penrith
CA11 0XR

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

KENDAL COLLEGE

Your training course

Livestock unit technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Plan, implement, monitor and review health and safety of self, others and livestock; including risk assessments and biosecurity policy.
Manage, monitor and evaluate the financial viability of delivered diets, using relevant resources
Maintain, analyse and utilize production records (both written and digital) to improve productivity and aid compliance
Implement breeding plan, monitor and manage the physical condition and check that selected stock are in the correct condition for breeding.
Use the most appropriate technology or digital system (for example, robotic milking, EID tagging, GPS tracking) to ensure that livestock performance is optimised, and its health and welfare is maintained.
Prepare, maintain and operate farm vehicles, and attachments, in different environmental and ground conditions
Carry out day-to-day management of unit conforming to current welfare legislation and current industry welfare codes, including planning for personnel and undertake key activities, to meet KPI’s
Implement, monitor, manage and review livestock health & welfare plan.
Ensure that grass and forage crops are of the appropriate quality and quantity in accordance with farm KPIs
Plan, implement, monitor and review movement of livestock at different stages of production cycle, including preparation of movement documents and allocating resource
Plan and implement cleaning procedures across the livestock unit, including management of manure and manage livestock in accommodation
Implement changes to policy and working practice, based on market factors such as price, supply chain requirements and new legislation
Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders to support business operation and development
Select and prepare livestock for sale or transfer in accordance with health and safety requirements.
Identify need for euthanasia, contact relevant professionals and complete necessary paperwork
Plan, implement, monitor and review health and safety of self, others and livestock; including risk assessments and biosecurity policy.
Manage, monitor and evaluate the financial viability of delivered diets, using relevant resources
Maintain, analyse and utilize production records (both written and digital) to improve productivity and aid compliance
Implement breeding plan, monitor and manage the physical condition and check that selected stock are in the correct condition for breeding.
Use the most appropriate technology or digital system (for example, robotic milking, EID tagging, GPS tracking) to ensure that livestock performance is optimised, and its health and welfare is maintained.
Prepare, maintain and operate farm vehicles, and attachments, in different environmental and ground conditions
Carry out day-to-day management of unit conforming to current welfare legislation and current industry welfare codes, including planning for personnel and undertake key activities, to meet KPI’s
Implement, monitor, manage and review livestock health & welfare plan.
Ensure that grass and forage crops are of the appropriate quality and quantity in accordance with farm KPIs
Plan, implement, monitor and review movement of livestock at different stages of production cycle, including preparation of movement documents and allocating resource
Plan and implement cleaning procedures across the livestock unit, including management of manure and manage livestock in accommodation
Implement changes to policy and working practice, based on market factors such as price, supply chain requirements and new legislation
Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders to support business operation and development
Select and prepare livestock for sale or transfer in accordance with health and safety requirements.
Identify need for euthanasia, contact relevant professionals and complete necessary paperwork

Your training plan

31.5hrs/week 0.9FTE (including 20% off the job training)
18-months Fixed Term

More training information

You will receive training in First Aid and Safe Use of Pesticides as part of your apprenticeship, and extra courses and training such as ATV and tractor driving to ensure you get the best start in your career. Additional support with maths and English can be provided if required. The apprenticeship provider is Kendal College.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 9-2 or equivalent)
Maths (grade 9-2 or equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Problem solving skills
Physical fitness
Ability to listen to instructi

Other requirements

We are looking for a candidate who is keen to try all trades and loves learning new skills, with enthusiasm and a positive work ethic. Any previous experience is great but not essential as you will be receiving comprehensive on-site training from the Farmer and a mentor

About this company

The Ernest Cook Trust is an educational charity and one of the UK’s foremost providers and funders of Outdoor Learning. Our vision is for an environmentally engaged society with stronger connections to nature. Our mission is to improve life chances of children and young people through a range of Outdoor Learning activities, enabling them to learn from nature, empowering them to have a positive impact on the environment. We do this through grant support, direct delivery of our own programmes, research and advocacy.

https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• 10% employer pension contribution (5% from employees) • 27 days annual leave, plus statutory holidays and additional leave between Christmas and New Year • Life Assurance • Access to Employee Assistance Programme

After this apprenticeship

There is currently a shortage of skilled farm workers, so ongoing full-time employment is likely to be available in the region. The Ernest Cook Trust will support you with the next steps in your career with additional employability training if required, plus give you opportunities to build a network of contacts in farming, through local groups and placements. We cannot guarantee ongoing employment with the Trust after the apprenticeship but will do our best to open doors to employment for you.

Ask a question

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